Liverpool manager Arne Slot hailed an improved performance from Darwin Nunez as the Uruguayan bounced back from his recent poor form against Paris Saint-Germain.
The visitors snatched a late 1-0 win in the first leg at the Parc des Princes with Nunez, brought on as a second half substitute, assisting fellow replacement Harvey Elliott.
PSG had dominated much of the affair in the French capital, with Alisson producing a string of saves to keep the hosts scoreless and allow Nunez and Elliott to combine for the match-winning moment.
Slot had been critical of Nunez in recent weeks, with the striker short of goals and struggling to show the sort of attitude that the Liverpool manager desires from his players.
But the Dutchman was pleased to see his bench make an impact as he praised both Nunez and Elliott.
“A big moment for [Harvey Elliott],” Slot said. “He is in competition for players that I hardly take off. So, he has to do it with limited playing time but he just keeps on going,” Slot said.
“But it wasn’t only Harvey, it was also the one who assisted, Darwin, who came from a difficult two games but was absolutely there again tonight because from the moment he came in we were more of a threat than before.”
Liverpool take the one-goal advantage through to Tuesday’s second leg at Anfield as they look to book their spot in the quarter-finals.
